In our church traditions, we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Heart of Jesus is unbound and ever flowing with love for creation. To me, our Church’s monthly devotions direct my spiritual life. They allow me to take on new understandings of what our Fathers and Councils outlined in the decades and centuries before. I find myself in different liturgical seasons or from month to month, trying to practice new prayers to increase fervor and knowledge of Christ.
Forever I Will Maintain My Love for My Servant. (Responsorial Psalm)
The love that the Father has for humanity may be a difficult mystery to understand. How can we, weak, poor, or greedy, sinners, be welcomed time and time again into the Heart of God. Jesus cares about our journey and knows of the times that we have chosen our own will. He knows everything, yet he doesn’t hold anything against us when we faithfully turn to Him, grievously repent, and make some kind of effort to turn from our selfish will. He forgives the past and maintains His unconditional love for humanity.
God never abandoned Jesus on the path to crucifixion. And the same is for you and me. In our darkest moments, when we cry out to Him in agony, we may or may not hear Him, but He remains because we are His precious children. His promise of faithfulness is established by the covenants. Permanent as the Psalm eludes, “forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.”
Give yourself to the Heart of Jesus. It takes great effort to not allow your heart and life to be divided. Place your joys, wounds, questions of faith, and petitions in the place where it all started: the Heart of Jesus formed in the womb of Mary, Our Lady- a plan all conceived into existence by God. The Gospel challenges us to reflect on whom we live and serve, and where our emotions and mind are stationed. It is my hope this month to live in union with the Sacred Heart. I desire a heart that trusts in God, is obedient to God, is reliant on God, is just as loving as God, and forgiving as God. Reform me, Jesus, in Thy Sacred Heart. A prayer follows.
Prayer Devotion
I entreat Thee, by the Precious Blood and Water that flowed from Thy Most Loving Heart, to take entire possession of me, that Thou may guide me in all things. Consume me in the burning fire of Thy Holy Love, so that I may be so absorbed and transformed into Thee that I may no longer be but one with Thee. Amen.
For further understanding and reflection, you can check out the Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on Devotion to the Sacred Heart.
[Readings, Saturday of the Eleventh Week: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25; Matthew 6:24-34]
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